Abstract
Objective
The goals of this systematic analysis are to determine the association between family
history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and markers of subclinical cardiovascular
disease as well as to discuss the inclusion of CHD family history in the frequently
used coronary risk prediction algorithms.
Background
Individuals with a family history of CHD are at high risk for developing atherosclerosis
and events related to CHD, regardless of the presence of other coronary risk factors.
They form a target population that might benefit from primary prevention strategies;
however, family history data is not a part of the frequently used risk prediction
algorithms.
Methods
Medline and PubMed databases were searched for all studies evaluating the relationship
between measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and family history of CHD, published
till June 2010.
Results
Thirty-two studies met the above criteria and were included in this review. Coronary
artery calcium, carotid intima thickness, vascular function, and inflammatory markers
including C reactive protein, fibrinogen, and D-dimer were used as measures of subclinical
atherosclerosis. Studies differed in design, demographic data of the population, techniques
and validation of family history information. Most studies established a statistically
significant relationship between the above markers and family history of CAD; further,
the association was noted to be independent of traditional risk factors.
Conclusion
Family history of CAD is associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, and
this relationship remains statistically significant after adjusting for traditional
risk factors. The above data suggest these individuals should be considered strongly
as candidates for assessment of subclinical CVD to further refine risk and treatment
goals.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 10, 2013
Accepted:
February 14,
2013
Received in revised form:
January 13,
2013
Received:
October 9,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc.
